Six vaccines show promise as boosters, led by mRNA shots
Researchers tested the vaccines in more than 2,800 volunteers 30 and older who had already received two doses of the AstraZeneca or Pfizer shots.
Olaf Scholz prepares to mandate COVID-19 vaccination as Germany's fourth wave deepens
The ambitious path now being set by Germany's next chancellor reverses earlier policies that have left 31% of the country unvaccinated.
Biden grapples with influx of cases as omicron threat grows
The president's measures include stricter testing requirements for air travelers arriving from abroad and extending a mask mandate.
Get a booster now and don’t wait for an omicron shot, experts say
The highly mutated strain raises new questions about how well existing COVID-19 vaccines will hold up, although it's not yet known whether revamped shots will be needed.
Omicron accelerates push for second-generation COVID-19 shots
Experts say it is critical to invest in a variety of approaches, including inoculations that could target multiple versions of the pathogen in a single shot.
Amid omicron fears, Japan weighs shorter interval for COVID-19 booster shots
Reversing course, officials are considering more exceptions that would shorten the interval between second and third vaccine shots to six months from eight months.
Japan’s drug regulator considers sweeping changes after COVID-19 vaccine delay
After being one of the last major developed nations to approve Pfizer's vaccine, Japan's drug regulator is looking to ease approval requirements for future pandemics.
Vaccines likely to protect against severe cases of omicron, WHO scientist says
The WHO’s statement is the latest in a series of efforts from health authorities to reassure the public on vaccines even as many questions about the new variant remain unanswered.
The next challenge to vaccinating Africa: Overcoming skepticism
There are growing signs in parts of Africa, as well as South Asia, that skepticism or outright hostility toward the COVID-19 vaccines may run deeper than expected.
First known U.S. omicron case found in fully vaccinated overseas traveler
The infected person, who had mild and improving symptoms, returned to the United States from South Africa on Nov. 22 and tested positive seven days later.
Japan's COVID-19 booster shot drive kicks off with health care workers
Third shots will eventually be administered free of charge to all residents age 18 and older at least eight months after their second doses.
Officials offer vaccine reassurance as WHO advises against travel bans
The WHO warned against blanket travel bans while the head of drugmaker Moderna said existing COVID-19 vaccines would be less effective against the omicron variant.
